Photo courtesy of Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat
On Aug. 4, 2015, Ted’s life changed forever. As he stood behind his car on the side of the road to adjust a few items in his trunk, a sun-blinded driver ran into him, crushing his legs and breaking his back. In the weeks following, doctors would amputate his right leg above his knee and perform multiple surgeries to save his life and his other leg.
A lover of fitness and two-time marathon runner, Ted finished last in the 2018 Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5k. But he and everyone around him knew his showing had all the hallmarks of a hard-fought win. “It was an accomplishment for me just to finish,” Ted said.
Ted has been a longtime volunteer and participant in the race, but 2018 marked the first time he walked the 5K using his prosthetic leg. A year ago, he had to stop three times to rest during his morning walks from the parking ramp to his office. “Now, I just walk it,” Ted said.
Thanks to no-fault, Ted also does physical therapy as needed. He sees Dennis Suzara, DO, a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor with Spectrum Health Medical Group Spine & Pain Management.
Dr. Suzara has found Ted’s journey inspiring, especially his participation in last year’s Irish Jig.
“That’s a huge thing,” Dr. Suzara said. “I am very proud of him.”
Dr. Suzara said he hopes Ted’s athletic pursuits inspire other amputees.
“This should not be holding you back from doing anything,” he said. “The only thing that holds anybody back, amputee or not, is yourself.”